Context: Recently, India-Mozambique-Tanzania Trilateral Exercise (IMT TRILAT) concluded at Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.

About the Exercise

• It is a joint maritime exercise among the Indian, Mozambique and Tanzanian navies.

• This was the first edition of this exercise.

• It was scheduled over a three-day period from 27 to 29 Oct 22.

• Indian Navy was represented by the guided missile frigate, INS Tarkash, a Chetak helicopter and MARCOS (Special Forces).

The exercise was conducted in two phases:

• Harbor phase: It included capability-building activities such as Visit, Board, Search and Seizure; small arms training: joint diving operations; damage control and fire fighting exercises; and cross-deck visits.

• Sea phase: It included boat operations, fleet manoeuvres, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure operations, helicopter operations, small arms firing, formation anchoring and EEZ patrols.

The exercise has three broad objectives

1. Enhancing interoperability

2. Capability development to address common threats through training and sharing of best practice

3. Strengthening maritime cooperation. 

Significance of the exercise

• The exercise is a reflection of India’s attempt to enhancing maritime security and cooperation with maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and promoting SAGAR, Safety and Growth for All in the Region.